Chapter 20 Summary

Sheikh Muhammad 'Abdu needs time to think about recommending the art school. Just back from Istanbul, tired, and facing many demands, the Sheikh receives Sharif, Muhammad Rashid Rida, and Shukri, who is anxious to talk about the Sultan meeting with leading Zionists, who control a third of the world's money. The Sultan is frightened off by assurances the fellaheen will revolt if the land is sold out from under them. Shukri acknowledges Jews have always lived in Palestine, but now are coming in thousands, supported by a worldwide campaign to buy up real estate. Big absentee landowners sell readily. Jews shun Arabs, so why settle among them? These are times of change for the Arabs.

When Sharif and the sheikh are alone, Sharif talks of marriage. As 'Abdu's face lights with joy, Sharif adds "to an English lady." They must do it immediately...